“This is a very large, catastrophic event and so this is a large group to be sending for our chapter”, Eastern South Dakota Red Cross executive director Jennifer Ross said.
Advertisement
News reports at least six people are dead and thousands more have been displaced after almost 20 inches of rain fell across places like Baton Rouge in less than 24-hours.
“We are Americans, this is what we do, we go and help each other”, said Michael Smauldon, one Utah Red Cross volunteers. Small said, “They are really in dire need, and my heart just goes out to them because I’m here and they’re there and I’d love to be able to do so much for them”.
“I got the notice this morning that I’d be flying to Louisiana in less than 24 hours, ” said Red Cross volunteer, Scott Fine, while packing Monday night. “The people are in just such need”, Kurtz said.
At least 60,000 homes registered with FEMA for disaster assistance, and the state’s governor said he expects nearly half the state’s 64 parishes to be declared disaster areas.
Red Cross volunteers from all 50 states are being deployed to help.
The Red Cross is helping at least 4,700 people in dozens of emergency shelters after what’s reportedly been unprecedented flooding that’s left 15 rivers in record flood stage.
“It kind of takes them out of the ability to help others when they’re dealing with this emergency on their own”, said Ramieh.
In addition, five people will work from their homes, deploying virtually to guide families in getting Red Cross assistance by completing case work over the phone.
At least seven people are dead in the flooding that is ravaging parts of Louisiana, but the state’s governor says they won’t know the final number of people lost to the flooding for days.
Advertisement
Thos interested in becoming a Red Cross volunteer are asked to visit redcross.org to learn how to submit a volunteer application.
